The Wege Foundation

The Wege Foundation’s main focus is Western Michigan, mainly in Grand Rapids. Peter M. Wege, founder of the family foundation, felt strongly about keeping the mission local because it honored the wishes of his father Peter Martin Wege, who created the Foundation’s resources. Peter Martin Wege founded Metal Office Furniture, today’s Steelcase, in 1912. Peter Martin Wege’s metal-working genius and entrepreneurial gifts started the company that became the world’s largest producer of office furniture. As his son Peter Melvin Wege put it, “Dad said the money was made right here in Grand Rapids by Steelcase and he wanted it to stay here to do all the good we can. I feel exactly the same way.”